What this site is
Delta Patcher Guide is an independent website about Delta Patcher, the free, open-source program for applying and creating XDelta patches. It exists because the program is simple to use but easy to use wrong: its output location, its backup option and its checksum errors confuse people every day. This site explains those details clearly and accurately, in one place.
We are not the Delta Patcher developer
Delta Patcher Guide is not affiliated with, endorsed by or maintained by Marco Calautti or the Delta Patcher project. We don’t develop, build, host or distribute the software. Official sources:
- Source code and releases: github.com/marco-calautti/DeltaPatcher (opens external site)
- Linux package: Delta Patcher on Flathub (opens external site)
- Bug reports about the software: the project’s issue tracker (opens external site)
Every download button on this site links directly to those official files. We never mirror, repackage or modify them.
What we cover
- Downloading the correct build and installing it on each operating system.
- Applying and creating XDelta patches.
- Troubleshooting failed patches and understanding error messages.
- Background on XDelta, checksums and other patch formats.
We don’t provide, link to or help locate copyrighted games, ROMs or other files to patch.
How our content is researched
Instructions on this site are based on primary sources rather than other websites:
- The Delta Patcher source code, for exact labels, default options, output naming and error messages.
- Official release notes and release files, for version numbers, dates, requirements, file sizes and SHA-256 checksums.
- The xdelta3 source code and documentation, for how patches, windows and checksums work.
- The downloads themselves, inspected to confirm contents and signing status.
Pages note which Delta Patcher version they were checked against (currently 3.1.6). Our editorial policy has the details.
Who runs this site
Delta Patcher Guide is published by Delta Patcher Guide. Content is written and maintained as a reference resource, with no sponsored content or paid placements. For corrections, suggestions or other questions, see the contact page.
Names and trademarks
“Delta Patcher” is used here only to identify the software this guide is about. All product names, logos and trademarks belong to their respective owners. See the disclaimer for more.